How to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs: Step-by-Step Guide

waga March 10, 2025
Image showing Windows 11

Imagine you’re excited to upgrade to Windows 11, eager to experience the sleek design, enhanced productivity tools, and improved security. But then, reality hits. You try installing it, and your PC throws an error: "This PC doesn’t meet the system requirements."

Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Many users with older but still capable machines have faced this roadblock. Microsoft’s strict hardware requirements—like the need for TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and newer processors—have left many wondering if they’ll ever be able to upgrade without buying a new computer.

But here’s the good news: You CAN install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC! With a few tweaks, you can bypass these restrictions and enjoy Windows 11 without Microsoft’s approval stamp.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process—step by step—so you can install Windows 11 on your PC without stress. We’ll cover everything from system requirements to creating a bootable USB and troubleshooting issues along the way.

So, let’s get started!


Understanding Windows 11's System Requirements

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s first understand why Microsoft introduced these strict requirements and whether your PC is truly unsupported.

Also Read: Microsoft Windows Update Deadline: 900 Million Users Must Act Now

Official Windows 11 System Requirements

According to Microsoft, your PC must meet the following minimum requirements to run Windows 11:

✅ Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor (Intel 8th Gen, AMD Ryzen 2000, or newer).
✅ RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended for smooth performance).
✅ Storage: 64 GB or more.
✅ System Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot enabled.
✅ TPM (Trusted Platform Module): Version 2.0.
✅ Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver.
✅ Display: High-definition (720p) monitor larger than 9 inches diagonally.
✅ Internet Connection: Required for Windows 11 Home setup.

These requirements ensure that Windows 11 runs efficiently and securely, reducing compatibility issues, improving security, and optimizing performance.

Why Windows 11 Blocks Older PCs

You might be wondering: Why does Microsoft require TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot?

The answer lies in security and performance. TPM 2.0 improves protection against malware, and Secure Boot prevents unauthorized software from running during startup. Similarly, newer CPUs support better power efficiency and security features that older ones lack.

But here’s the catch—many older PCs still work perfectly fine! The official restrictions mean nothing if your PC is powerful enough to handle Windows 11. So, instead of throwing away a perfectly good machine, we’re going to bypass these limitations and install Windows 11 anyway.

Also Read: How to Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Your Settings, Files, and Apps

Next Up: Risks and Considerations Before Installing

Before we proceed with the actual installation, let’s talk about the potential risks and considerations of installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC. This will help you decide whether to move forward or stick with Windows 10 for now.

Risks and Considerations Before Installing Windows 11

Before proceeding with the installation, it’s important to understand the potential drawbacks of running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. While the installation is possible, it comes with certain risks that you should be aware of.

1. No Official Support from Microsoft

Microsoft does not officially support Windows 11 on devices that do not meet the system requirements. This means:

  • You may not receive future Windows updates, including security patches and feature improvements.
  • Some updates might install, but there is no guarantee they will work correctly.

2. Compatibility Issues

Unsupported PCs may experience hardware compatibility issues. Certain drivers might not be available for Windows 11, leading to problems with:

  • Graphics performance
  • Sound output
  • Network connectivity (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

Checking your device manufacturer’s website for Windows 11-compatible drivers can help mitigate this risk.

Also Read: How to Upgrade Your Old Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 Without Compatibility Issues

3. Potential Performance Drops

While some unsupported PCs run Windows 11 smoothly, others may suffer from performance issues such as:

  • Increased boot times
  • System freezes or lag
  • Higher resource consumption

Older hardware may struggle with features like Snap Layouts, Widgets, or Virtual Desktops, which require additional processing power.

4. Security Risks

Microsoft enforces strict hardware requirements to enhance security. Running Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot could make your system more vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access. If security is a top priority, sticking with Windows 10— which is supported until October 14, 2025—might be the safer choice.

5. No Warranty or Liability

By bypassing Microsoft’s restrictions, you take full responsibility for any issues that arise. If something goes wrong, Microsoft will not provide assistance, and you may need to reinstall Windows 10 or troubleshoot problems yourself.

Should You Proceed?

If your PC meets most of Windows 11’s requirements except for TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or an unsupported CPU, you are likely to have a smooth experience. However, if your PC is significantly outdated (older than 2015), it may not handle Windows 11 efficiently.

If you understand the risks and are willing to proceed, let’s move on to the pre-installation preparations to ensure a successful setup.

Also Read: 9 Essential Tips to Boost Your Windows 11 PC Performance

Pre-Installation Preparations

Before installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, it’s essential to prepare your system properly. This helps avoid data loss, installation failures, and unexpected issues during the process.

1. Back Up Your Important Data

Since the installation process involves modifying system files and partitions, there is always a risk of data loss. To avoid this, create a full backup of your important files, including:

  • Documents, photos, and videos
  • Installed programs and software keys
  • Browser bookmarks and saved passwords

You can back up your files to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox).

2. Check System Compatibility

Even if your PC does not meet the official Windows 11 requirements, it should at least have:

  • A 64-bit processor (Windows 11 does not support 32-bit CPUs).
  • At least 4GB RAM (8GB or more is recommended).
  • A 64GB+ storage drive (preferably an SSD for better performance).

To check your system specs:

  1. Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and hit Enter to view your system information.
  2. Open File Explorer, right-click This PC, and select Properties to check RAM and processor details.

3. Download Windows 11 ISO File

Since Windows 11 won’t install through Windows Update on unsupported PCs, you need to manually download the ISO file:

  1. Go to Microsoft’s official website.
  2. Select Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO).
  3. Choose the Windows 11 edition and your preferred language.
  4. Click Download and wait for the file to save on your PC.

4. Create a Bootable USB Drive

To install Windows 11, you need to create a bootable USB drive with at least 8GB of storage. You can use Rufus (a free tool) to bypass hardware checks:

  1. Download Rufus from the official website.
  2. Plug in your USB drive.
  3. Open Rufus, select the downloaded Windows 11 ISO file, and choose GPT or MBR depending on your system.
  4. Under "Image Option," choose "Extended Windows 11 Installation (no TPM/Secure Boot/8GB-RAM check)."
  5. Click Start and wait for the process to complete.

5. Modify Registry (Optional – If Upgrading from Windows 10)

If you’re upgrading from Windows 10, you can bypass hardware checks by modifying the registry:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
  3. Right-click the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it:
    AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU
  4. Double-click it, change the value to 1, and press OK.

This trick allows you to install Windows 11 directly without Microsoft’s hardware enforcement.

Also Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Gaming PC

Next Up: Step-by-Step Installation Process

Now that your system is ready, it’s time to proceed with the actual installation. In the next section, we’ll cover:

  • Booting from the USB drive
  • Installing Windows 11
  • Setting up the operating system

Creating a Bootable USB Drive with Rufus

To install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, you need a bootable USB drive. This allows you to bypass Microsoft’s restrictions and install the OS without issues. Rufus, a free tool, helps create a bootable USB drive while removing compatibility checks like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.

Step 1: Download Rufus and Windows 11 ISO

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • A USB flash drive (8GB or more)
  • The Windows 11 ISO file (downloaded from Microsoft’s website)
  • The Rufus tool (available at rufus.ie)

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB with Rufus

  1. Insert the USB drive into your PC.
  2. Open Rufus (no installation required).
  3. Under Device, select your USB drive.
  4. Click Select and browse to choose the Windows 11 ISO file.
  5. Under Image option, select:
    • “Extended Windows 11 Installation (No TPM / No Secure Boot / 8GB-RAM Check)”
  6. Under Partition scheme, choose:
    • GPT (for UEFI systems)
    • MBR (for Legacy BIOS systems)
  7. Keep File System as NTFS.
  8. Click Start and wait for the process to complete.

Once Rufus finishes, your USB drive is ready for installation.

Adjusting BIOS Settings for Installation

Before installing Windows 11, you need to change some settings in your PC’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) to allow booting from the USB drive.

Step 1: Enter BIOS Setup

  1. Restart your PC and press the required key to enter BIOS.
    • Common keys: F2, F12, Del, or Esc (depends on your motherboard).
  2. Navigate to Boot Options or Advanced Settings.

Step 2: Disable Secure Boot and TPM

  1. Locate Secure Boot and set it to Disabled.
  2. If available, find TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and disable it.

Step 3: Enable USB Boot

  1. Look for Boot Priority or Boot Order.
  2. Set USB Drive as the first boot option.
  3. Save changes and exit BIOS.

Now, your PC is ready to boot from the USB and install Windows 11.

Also Read: How to Restore Windows 10 File Explorer in Windows 11

Installing Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware

Now that your bootable USB is ready and BIOS is configured, follow these steps to install Windows 11.

Step 1: Boot from USB

  1. Insert the bootable USB into your PC.
  2. Restart your computer and press the boot menu key (F12, F9, Esc, or Del, depending on your system).
  3. Select your USB drive as the boot device.

Step 2: Start the Windows 11 Setup

  1. When the Windows setup screen appears, select:
    • Language
    • Time and currency format
    • Keyboard input method
  2. Click Next, then Install Now.

Step 3: Bypass Microsoft’s Hardware Check

If you see an error stating “This PC can’t run Windows 11”, follow these steps:

  1. Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
  4. Right-click Setup, select New > Key, and name it LabConfig.
  5. Inside LabConfig, create two new DWORD values:
    • BypassTPMCheck → Set value to 1
    • BypassSecureBootCheck → Set value to 1
  6. Close Registry Editor and Command Prompt.
  7. Click Back on the setup screen, then click Next again to continue.

Step 4: Choose Installation Type

  • Select Custom: Install Windows only (to perform a clean installation).
  • Choose the drive partition where you want to install Windows 11.
  • Click Next, and the installation process will begin.

Step 5: Wait for Installation to Complete

Your PC will restart multiple times as Windows 11 installs. Once completed, you’ll be taken to the Windows 11 setup screen, where you can:

  • Set up a Microsoft or local account
  • Choose privacy settings
  • Configure basic preferences

At this point, Windows 11 is successfully installed on your unsupported PC.

Also Read: How to Generate Consistent Images in Midjourney

Post-Installation Steps

After successfully installing Windows 11 on your unsupported PC, you need to optimize it for performance and ensure all necessary drivers and updates are installed.

Step 1: Install Drivers

Since Windows 11 may not automatically install all necessary drivers for unsupported hardware, follow these steps:

1. Check for Missing Drivers:

  • Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
  • Look for any devices with a yellow warning icon, indicating missing drivers.
2. Download and Install Drivers:
  • Visit your PC manufacturer’s website (or motherboard manufacturer if using a custom-built PC).
  • Download the latest drivers for your chipset, graphics card, network adapter, and audio.
3. Use Windows Update:
  • Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
  • Install any available driver updates.

Step 2: Install Essential Software

To get the best experience on Windows 11, install essential apps and utilities:

  • Web Browser: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
  • System Optimization Tools: CCleaner or Windows built-in tools.
  • Antivirus Software: Microsoft Defender (built-in) or third-party options like Bitdefender.

Step 3: Enable Performance Tweaks

Since unsupported PCs may struggle with Windows 11, apply these optimizations:

1. Disable Startup Programs:

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary programs.
2. Adjust Performance Settings:
  • Search for “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows” in the Start menu.
  • Select Adjust for best performance or manually disable visual effects.
3. Enable Game Mode (If Gaming):
    • Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and turn it on.

Ensuring System Security and Stability

Since your PC doesn’t meet Microsoft’s official requirements, security and stability should be a priority.

Step 1: Enable Windows Security Features

  • Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
  • Enable Real-time protection and Firewall & network protection.
  • Run a quick scan to check for potential threats.

Step 2: Backup Your System

Windows 11 may receive limited updates on unsupported PCs, so it’s essential to have a backup plan:

  • Use File History or OneDrive to back up important files.
  • Create a System Restore Point in case of future issues.
  • Consider making a full system image backup with third-party tools like Macrium Reflect.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware may lead to some common issues. Here’s how to fix them.

1. Windows Update Not Working

Issue: Windows Update may refuse to install updates on unsupported hardware.
Solution:

  • Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
  • If updates fail, download them manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog (catalog.update.microsoft.com).

2. Performance Issues or Slow Speed

Issue: Windows 11 may feel slow or laggy.
Solution:

  • Disable unnecessary startup programs in Task Manager.
  • Reduce visual effects using Performance Settings.
  • Upgrade to an SSD if still using a traditional HDD.

3. Driver Compatibility Issues

Issue: Some hardware components may not work properly due to missing drivers.
Solution:

  • Use Windows Update to check for driver updates.
  • Download drivers manually from the manufacturer’s website.
  • If no official Windows 11 driver is available, try using a Windows 10 driver in compatibility mode.

4. Secure Boot and TPM Errors

Issue: Even after bypassing TPM and Secure Boot, some updates or features may be restricted.
Solution:

  • Check Windows Registry (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\LabConfig) to ensure the bypass keys are still enabled.
  • If TPM is required for an app, try enabling fTPM (Firmware TPM) in BIOS.

5. Random System Crashes or Instability

Issue: The system may experience unexpected crashes or freezes.
Solution:

Image showing solution to crashes system

  • Run the System File Checker by opening Command Prompt as Admin and typing: 
    sfc /scannow
  • Use DISM to repair system files: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • If the issue persists, consider reinstalling Windows 11 or rolling back to Windows 10.

With these troubleshooting steps, your unsupported PC should now run Windows 11 smoothly. 

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Alternative Solutions

If installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware proves too challenging or unstable, consider the following alternative solutions:

1. Stick with Windows 10

Windows 10 remains a solid option, as Microsoft will provide security updates until October 14, 2025. If your system runs Windows 10 smoothly, it may be best to continue using it rather than forcing an upgrade.

2. Use a Lightweight Linux Distribution

If your PC struggles with newer Windows versions, a lightweight Linux distro can breathe new life into your system. Consider:

  • Ubuntu (user-friendly with broad software support)
  • Linux Mint (Windows-like interface)
  • Zorin OS (ideal for beginners switching from Windows)
  • Lubuntu or Xubuntu (optimized for low-end hardware)

Linux is a great alternative for basic computing tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.

3. Upgrade Your Hardware

If your PC is too old or struggles to handle Windows 11, upgrading key components like RAM, SSD, or processor might be a better long-term solution. If upgrading isn’t feasible, investing in a newer, budget-friendly PC that meets Windows 11 requirements could be a better option.

4. Use Windows 11 via Virtual Machines

If you want to experience Windows 11 without modifying your current system, you can install it in a virtual machine using:

  • VMware Workstation Player
  • VirtualBox
  • Microsoft Hyper-V (built into Windows Pro editions)

This allows you to test Windows 11 while keeping your existing OS intact.

Also Read: Master Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, After Effects, and More

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware may not be the easiest route, but with the right steps, it is possible. By bypassing Microsoft’s requirements and tweaking system settings, you can still enjoy Windows 11 on older devices. However, it’s crucial to weigh the risks, ensure stability, and consider alternative solutions if necessary.

If you decide to proceed, always back up your data, monitor system performance, and be prepared for potential limitations in updates and security. For those looking for long-term stability, upgrading hardware or sticking with Windows 10 might be the better choice.

Have you tried installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with others!


Also Read

Microsoft Windows Update Deadline: 900 Million Users Must Act Now

How to Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Your Settings, Files, and Apps

How to Upgrade Your Old Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 Without Compatibility Issues

9 Essential Tips to Boost Your Windows 11 PC Performance

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Gaming PC

How to Restore Windows 10 File Explorer in Windows 11

How to Generate Consistent Images in Midjourney

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